At Guardian Collision, we understand that having your vehicle repaired can feel overwhelming. With many moving parts and steps involved, it’s our priority to simplify the process and provide clarity every step of the way. Our commitment is to make your experience seamless and stress-free, with full transparency from start to finish. We proudly work with all insurance providers and offer flexible payment options tailored to your needs.
1. Consultation Appointment
• Review the damage and write an estimate, if required.
• Discuss the Guardian’s process for working with estimates already provided by insurance companies.
• Explain Guardian Collision repair process to the customer.
2. Schedule for Repair
• Coordinate with customer to schedule a repair appointment at their convenience.
• Schedule an appointment for repair—simply give us a call or book here.
3. Drop – Off Appointment
• Customer brings the vehicle for repair. All necessary paperwork is completed, and the repair process is reviewed.
• Customers can also drop – off after business hours via the key drop process.
4. Triage / Scan / Disassembly
• Conduct Manufacturer’s procedure research and perform a complete health scan of the vehicle.
• Assign the vehicle to a technician for disassembly.
• Remove damaged parts to identify all the hidden damage to the vehicle.
• Research parts availability.
5. Insurance Approval After Disassembly
• Submit photos and Manufacturer’s repair procedures to the insurance company for approval of additional damage discovered during disassembly.
• Notify the customer of the insurance approval (timeline varies by company, typically 3-7 days).
6. Parts Procurement
• Order all required parts based on the vehicle’s VIN to ensure accuracy.
• Vehicle is placed on hold until all parts are received.
• Provide a tentative date once parts are confirmed.
7. Body & Mechanical Repair
• Perform structural repairs, including measurement and frame alignment as needed.
• Repair or replace damaged sheet metal, aluminum, or plastic panels following the Manufacturer’s guidelines.
• Conduct an inspection once all the repairs are completed before moving to the refinish phase.
8. Refinish Process
• Prepare panels for painting by thoroughly sanding, scuffing, and cleaning to ensure a smooth and clean surface for optimal paint adhesion.
• Apply primer to repaired panels and allow it to cure for up to 24 hours.
• Apply sealer, base coat, and clear coat. Bake each coat in a spray booth at the Manufacturer’s specified temperature.
9. Reassembly Process
• Reassemble the vehicle and complete the final touches.
10. Post – Scan Calibrations / Off – Site Sublet
• Conduct calibrations to ensure cameras, radars, and sensors are properly aligned and functional.
• Most calibrations are performed in-house; others may require dealer services, potentially causing additional wait times.
11. Test Drive & Quality Control
• Vehicle is test driven, and a final quality control is completed.
12. Final Insurance Approval
• Submit any pending calibration / sublet invoices or required documentation to the insurance company.
• Approvals for this stage may take up 3 – 7 business days depending on the insurer.
13. Wash & Pick – Up Appointment
• Thoroughly wash the vehicle.
• Contact the customer to schedule a pick – up appointment.
• Review the repairs with the customer and address any
final questions or concerns during the pick – up appointment.
1. Consultation Appointment
• Review the damage and write an estimate, if required.
• Discuss the Guardian’s process for working with estimates already provided by insurance companies.
• Explain Guardian Collision repair process to the customer.
2. Schedule for Repair
• Coordinate with customer to schedule a repair appointment at their convenience.
• Schedule an appointment for repair—simply give us a call or book here.
3. Drop – Off Appointment
• Customer brings the vehicle for repair. All necessary paperwork is completed, and the repair process is reviewed.
• Customers can also drop – off after business hours via the key drop process.
4. Triage / Scan / Disassembly
• Conduct Manufacturer’s procedure research and perform a complete health scan of the vehicle.
• Assign the vehicle to a technician for disassembly.
• Remove damaged parts to identify all the hidden damage to the vehicle.
• Research parts availability.
5. Insurance Approval After Disassembly
• Submit photos and Manufacturer’s repair procedures to the insurance company for approval of additional damage discovered during disassembly.
• Notify the customer of the insurance approval (timeline varies by company, typically 3-7 days).
6. Parts Procurement
• Order all required parts based on the vehicle’s VIN to ensure accuracy.
• Vehicle is placed on hold until all parts are received.
• Provide a tentative date once parts are confirmed.
7. Body & Mechanical Repair
• Perform structural repairs, including measurement and frame alignment as needed.
• Repair or replace damaged sheet metal, aluminum, or plastic panels following the Manufacturer’s guidelines.
• Conduct an inspection once all the repairs are completed before moving to the refinish phase.
8. Refinish Process
• Prepare panels for painting by thoroughly sanding, scuffing, and cleaning to ensure a smooth and clean surface for optimal paint adhesion.
• Apply primer to repaired panels and allow it to cure for up to 24 hours.
• Apply sealer, base coat, and clear coat. Bake each coat in a spray booth at the Manufacturer’s specified temperature.
9. Reassembly Process
• Reassemble the vehicle and complete the final touches.
10. Post – Scan Calibrations / Off – Site Sublet
• Conduct calibrations to ensure cameras, radars, and sensors are properly aligned and functional.
• Most calibrations are performed in-house; others may require dealer services, potentially causing additional wait times.
11. Test Drive & Quality Control
• Vehicle is test driven, and a final quality control is completed.
12. Final Insurance Approval
• Submit any pending calibration / sublet invoices or required documentation to the insurance company.
• Approvals for this stage may take up 3 – 7 business days depending on the insurer.
13. Wash & Pick – Up Appointment
• Thoroughly wash the vehicle.
• Contact the customer to schedule a pick – up appointment.
• Review the repairs with the customer and address any
final questions or concerns during the pick – up appointment.